Tennessee
House
Republicans
held their ground on Thursday, refusing to budge on
proposed red flag laws
, calling them “a non-starter.”
“Any red flag law is a non-starter for House Republicans,” their official account tweeted. “Our caucus is focused on finding solutions that prevent dangerous individuals from harming the public and preserve the
Second Amendment
rights of law-abiding citizens. We have always been open to working with Governor [Bill] Lee on measures that fit within the framework.”
— TN House Republicans (@tnhousegop) April 20, 2023
The tweet comes during an exceptionally tumultuous time in Tennessee. Six people — three nine-year-olds and three adults — were gunned down in March at a private Christian school. A few days later, Tennessee House Republicans voted to expel two black Democratic lawmakers for participating in a gun control protest.
Lee broke with his party when he called on lawmakers to pass a bill that would create red flag protections based on mental health. The governor also signed an executive order to strengthen background checks for buying firearms in the state.
“We can’t stop evil, but we can do something,” Lee said. “And when there is a clear need for action, I think that we have an obligation … to remind people that we should set aside politics and pride and accomplish something that the people of Tennessee want us to accomplish.”
His comments came after thousands of Tennesseans rallied for stricter gun laws at the state capitol in Nashville.
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The National Rifle Association called the legislation an act of “flow motion,” meaning that “bills are being moved at an alarming pace, with the intention of having them moved through committee and voted on the same day. This process poses a serious risk to our Second Amendment rights.”
However, it is unlikely that any meaningful legislation will pass this session. Republicans have routinely batted down any legislation aimed at limiting access.
